Can Yang Hansen surpass Yao Ming in the future

As the 16th pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft, Yang Hansen's development prospects and Yao Ming can be compared from the following aspects:

1. Technical characteristics and positioning differences

‌Yao Ming's historical dominance: Yao Ming entered the NBA as the No. 1 pick, historic offensive ability, hook-strike stability and offensive threat are recognized as rare in history, and he was selected as an All-Star in his career for 8 times.

‌Yang Hansen's modern center positioning: his technology is more inclined to support centers, combined with Jokic's passing vision and Plumley-level blue-collar ability, the upper limit of the development template is Sabonis Jr.

2. The gap between draft background and starting point

Yao Ming is the No. 1 pick, Yi Jianlian is the No. 6 pick, and Yang Hansen's mid-round pick (16 pick) has been the best Chinese players in recent years, but the gap between starting points is obvious.

Yang Hansen's draft success is due to the operation of the brokerage team (such as Fu Paul Company) and the NBA's business considerations for the Chinese market.

3. Potential and Challenge

Advantages: The CBA data at the age of 19 (16.6 points + 10.5 rebounds + 3 assists) showed comprehensiveness, and the static talent (height 216cm, large hand size) and dynamic test performance exceeded expectations.

has strong team attributes and is more adaptable to American basketball.

‌Limitations:

Offensive methods and confrontational ability are far behind Yao Ming (21.1 points + 15 rebounds) during the same period‌.

NBA's current environment is more friendly to European-style centers, and three-pointers and mobility are needed to be strengthened.

4. Comprehensive judgment

It is extremely difficult to surpass Yao Ming (historical superstar) in the short term, but if you can establish yourself in the NBA and gradually improve, you are expected to become a high-quality starting center from Plumli to Sabonis Jr. Its commercial value and boosting effect on Chinese basketball have been shown.